Key takeaways
Rimantadine (generic, formerly branded as Flumadine) and amantadine (generic, formerly branded as Symmetrel) are both oral medications, but they serve different purposes and belong to different drug classes. Rimantadine is an antiviral used to treat and prevent influenza type A, while amantadine is an NMDA antagonist used to manage symptoms of Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders. Rimantadine works by preventing the influenza virus from replicating, whereas amantadine increases dopamine levels to help with movement coordination. Rimantadine is typically taken twice a day, while amantadine can be taken once or twice daily. Common side effects for both include nausea, dizziness, and trouble sleeping, but amantadine also carries risks of mood changes and hallucinations. Additionally, rimantadine is not recommended for use due to resistance in flu strains, whereas amantadine is still commonly used for its indications.
